| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Product weight | Resistance | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stamina X AMRAP Check Discounted Price | L:94" W:24.5" H:42" | 300 lbs | 99 lbs | Air, 9 levels | Frame: 3 years Parts: 90 days |
The Stamina X AMRAP is one of the newest air resistance rowing machines from Stamina, for 2018. It’s a trainer similar in specs and construction to the Concept2 Model D, but it includes a console without online capabilities. Although it’s not advertised or sold as a commercial trainer, it’s pretty close to the durability of gym-grade machines. For the record, AMRAP stands for “As Many Reps As Possible”, this machine being built to withstand high-intensity cardio workouts on a daily basis.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 94L x 24.5W x 42H (239L x 62W x 107H cm)
- Assembled weight: 99 lbs (45 kg)
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Frame: Steel
- Footrests: Adjustable, with straps
- Resistance type: Air, 9 levels
- Exercise meter: 8 workout programs
- Extras: Phone holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 90 days
Frame construction and parts
The Stamina X AMRAP rowing machine features a heavy-duty frame build of steel tubing. The only notable plastic parts in its construction are the casing of the flywheel and several other small
covers. It’s equipped with a highly durable monorail that can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). The rail is also quite long, so the machine can accommodate users even taller than 6’7″.
The assembled rower is fairly large, especially lengthwise. It’s approx. 94″ (~239 cm) long, and 24.5″ (62 cm) wide. It’s also recommended to assign at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the rear for safe and unhindered operation. So, these being said, it’s not exactly a machine for a small room. But on the other hand, the rail can easily detach from the front part of the machine in order to provide better storage possibilities.
The unit isn’t extremely heavy, but it’s not feather-light either. With the frame fully assembled it weighs approx. 99 lbs (45 kg). However, its relocation is facilitated by its front wheels. Also, both base bars of this rower are equipped with rubberized pads to provide a better grip on the floor, and enhance its stability.
The Stamina X AMRAP air rower is equipped with a contoured seat which integrates a layer of 
foam padding in order to provide optimal comfort. Its surface is highly adherent, preventing the user from sliding off during rowing. It’s also approx. 16″ (40 cm) wide, providing plenty of contact surface.
The seat assembly integrates a set of durable wheels with stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth glide. All the wheels are concealed to prevent clothing from getting caught in them and increase its overall safety.
The unit’s footrests are side-adjustable and can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They’re equipped with adjustable straps and heel guards in order to provide maximum foot stability during rowing. However, they do not have a pivoting design as for the Sunny Obsidian Surge SF-RW5713 rower, for example. They’re set at an angle of approx. 45°, providing an optimal foot positioning.
The machine’s rowing handle is slightly curved in order to provide the perfect hand positioning, minimizing the stress on the wrists. It’s fully covered by a layer of rubber foam material which delivers a secure grip while also reducing abrasion.
All the steel parts within the rower’s construction feature a durable paint finish that is corrosion-resistant. The color used for most of the parts is black, with the “Stamina” and “AMRAP” names painted white and red; the ABS main cover of the flywheel is also red, these being the only colors available for this Stamina rowing machine.
Drive and resistance
The Stamina X AMRAP is a full air resistance rower without any magnetic brake elements, just like the Slider Dynamic model from WaterRower, or the more affordable Stamina 1402 ATS. The main
advantage of this type of resistance is that it delivers a dynamic response during rowing. In other words, the harder you pull the handle, the more resistance it will generate.
The main resistance-generating elements of this rower are the flywheel-fan at the front and its damper. The damper features 9 settings which allow you to adjust the intensity of the airflow inside the flywheel case, which results in a higher or lesser overall resistance.
The unit’s drive is chain-based; its pulling handle is attached to a heavy-duty chain similar to a bike’s chain. The main advantage of this type of drive is durability; with proper care, it can last a lifetime. But on the other hand, it requires periodic lubrication. Also, it’s not recommended to perform twists during each stroke, as the chain may jump off its gears.
The resistance generated by the unit’s airflow system is great for users of all levels, including professional rowers. It delivers an excellent full-body cardio workout, and also a rowing sensation that is similar to the rowing of a real boat.
One last aspect to mention here regards the noise generated by the fan. Needless to say, since it’s an air resistance rower, the fan does produce some noise when the machine is in use. However, the noise is far from being loud, it’s not disturbing and shouldn’t cover the sound of your TV, for example. You can compare it with the sound generated by a large electric fan.
Console
The Stamina X AMRAP rowing machine is equipped with a mid-range console. It features a multi-panel LCD display which indicates total strokes, strokes per minute, time, distance, interval, heart
rate, calories burned, watts, meters per stroke, while the midsection shows the program matrix. The top left section of the display alternates total strokes with strokes per minute, while the top right section of the display alternates distance and interval, each metric being shown for 5 seconds.
The console unit is telemetric. This means it can read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is included with the unit. The unit also offers the possibility to preset countdown targets for time, distance, and calories. This way, the console will countdown from the preset value for each one of the metrics until they reach zero.
The unit has 8 workout programs. The first program is the Normal Mode which doesn’t have anything pre-set; all the values count up simply as you row. The 2-3-4 programs are for distance, time, and calories, allowing you to preset values for them. The 5th program is a Game Program. It consists of a small bar on the left that can move up and down as you row while the whole grid moves from right to left. With the small moving bar, you have to hit point bars that come from the right in order to get points. The time of the programs is 5 minutes by default but it can be adjusted. At the end of the program, the unit will show your final score.
The 6th, 7th, and 8th programs are interval programs. Their intervals are 20/10, 10/20, and 10/10. They function in a similar way. For example, for the 20/10 interval you will have to workout for 20 seconds then rest for the next 10, and so on.
The console unit is fairly easy to operate. It features 5 buttons – Back, Up, Select, Down, Enter/Stop. The UP/DOWN buttons allow you to increase/decrease the values for your goals. The Select button navigates through the programs. The Back button either returns you to the previous program or to the IDLE mode. The ENTER/STOP button covers the confirmation function for a selected value and also allows you to pause and resume your workout if necessary.
Last but not least, the rower’s console unit runs on batteries. It uses two C-type batteries which are not included. To start it up, you can either begin rowing or press one of the buttons. It also has a self-shutdown function which is initiated after 20 seconds of inactivity, or 30 seconds of inactivity if an interval program is in use.
Assembly and Maintenance
The rower’s resistance system comes pre-assembled and attached to the front part of the frame. Therefore, you only have to attach the unit’s bases, connect the rail with the seat to the front part of the unit, attach the footrests, and finally the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the tools required for the unit’s assembly are included. Also, the manual provides very clear and concise assembly instructions.
For maintenance, the periodic lubrication of the chain is necessary. Vacuuming the flywheel casing from time to time is recommended. It’s also recommended to periodically check for loose bolts and parts, and re-tighten them if necessary.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – supports users up to 300 lbs;
- Easily detachable rail, providing better storage possibilities;
- Front wheels for transport;
- Rubber pads on both bases for better stability;
- Elegant design;
- Long rail – can accommodate users up to 6’7″
- Padded, contoured seat;
- Adjustable footrests with straps and heel guards;
- Air resistance, providing a dynamic response during rowing;
- Adjustable damper with 9 levels;
- Multi-panel LCD console which tracks total strokes, strokes per minute, time, distance, interval, heart rate, calories burned, watts, meters per stroke;
- Countdown settings for time, distance, and calories;
- 8 workout programs available;
- Wireless HR chest strap included;
- Phone holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Easy to handle and relocate;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- The batteries for the console are not included;
- No weight/height/age settings – so the calorie reading isn’t too accurate.
Summary
The Stamina X AMRAP is a full air resistance rower featuring a durable, steel frame which can support users up to 300 lbs and 6’7″ tall. The rail with the seat is easily detachable from the front part of the unit providing better storage possibilities. The unit includes a mid-range console with 8 workout programs to keep you motivated. In all it’s an excellent trainer for full-body, light to intense cardio workouts, great for weight loss, muscle toning, stamina and strength development, and interval training, offering an excellent value for the price.